Where Do The Texans Go From Here?

The Houston Texans were coming off a three game losing streak and looked for the St. Louis game as a redemption for the season. There were high hopes that they could rebound and get the season back on track. The Texans came into Reliant Stadium 2-3 and left 2-4 after a 38-13 embarrassing loss to the Rams.

What was more embarrassing was that the Texans’ fans cheered and belittled starting quarterback Matt Schaub after he was injured. “For all the guy’s done for the city and team … that’s straight up disrespectful,” said T.J. Yates, who came in for Schaub. Reactions from Andre Johnson and Arian Foster were stronger.

“That is just tasteless and tactless,” Foster said. “I was extremely heated at that. The fans can get emotional. That is just not how I was brought up. That is not the kind of man I am. I don’t care how you feel about a man. You don’t kick him when he is down.” “It’s bad when members of the other team are saying that’s messed up that (fans) would do something like that,” Johnson said. “It just shows no class. It wasn’t all the fans. But those are the same people that you’re out somewhere with your family and you tell them they can’t have an autograph right now, those are the same people that tell you you’re rude.”

Even though the fans’ reactions were uncalled for, that does not excuse the awful play that the Texans have shown this year. There were Superbowl hopes but those expectations have seemed to have gone away.

The Texans were flat out beaten on Sunday by the Rams in every aspect of play. The defense didn’t force any turnovers and the Texans gave up two turnovers for touchdowns. While fans cheered for Matt Schaub’s exit and cheered even louder for Yates’ entrance, Yates ended his first drive by throwing an interception that was returned 98 yards for a touchdown. Yates would throw another interception before the game was over.

The one positive for the Texans amidst all the negatives was the play of Foster. Foster finished the game with 20 carries for 141-yards and 4 receptions for 57-yards. It seems that he has fully recovered from his injuries and is on his way to another pro bowl. When asked about the Texans troubles Foster said, “It’s just playing bad. We’re not converting third downs and staying on the field, giving our defense a chance. We’re putting them in terrible situations (with) turnovers and penalties. We need to check ourselves.”

Defensive end J.J. Watt, who failed to make a tackle for only the second time in his career was disappointed and frustrated. “We’ve struggled mightily. We need to get things figured out, and we need to do it in a real big hurry. Right now, I’d describe my emotions as frustrated,” Watt said. “Everyone can find something they need to improve on. We all need to take a look in the mirror. We need to do everything we can to figure out what we can do to help this team, myself included.”

Besides quarterback Matt Schaub having an MRI on his lower right leg, including his foot and ankle, strong safety Daniel Manning had an MRI on his knee. Schaub and Manning left the game in the third quarter. Fullback Greg Jones (ankle) and cornerback A.J. Bouye (hamstring) were also injured. It was later reported that Manning could be out six to 10 weeks and has a major hyperextension of his right knee. He’s considering surgery and could be placed on the injured reserve.

That would be a big blow to the defense. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said Manning will be replaced by Shiloh Keo. “We’re trying to evaluate exactly how much time before we make a decision moving forward,” Kubiak said during a news conference at Reliant Stadium.

With Schaub’s injury, Coach Kubiak said Monday the team will prepare backups T.J. Yates and Case Keenum to start, while the status of a “very sore and beat up” Matt Schaub will be evaluated as the week unfolds.

“Here’s what I’ll do. I think Matt’s going to be an end of the week decision, one way or the other. I’ll prepare both Case and T.J. and we’ll go from there at the end of the week,” Kubiak said during a press conference at Reliant Stadium. “I think with Matt, it’s going to be the end of the week before we know anything, so I’ll prepare the other two to play.”

Schaub was much more concerned with the popping sound he heard upon contact Sunday than fans cheering his fall. The Texans quarterback said Monday during a radio appearance on 610 AM that he initially believed his injury during a home loss to St. Louis would be much worse than it was. “It popped and must’ve come out and come back in place. … It could have been drastically worse.”

The troubled Texans could use an NFL cupcake. Instead, they’ll face undefeated Kansas City on the road Sunday. Texans coach Gary Kubiak praised the 6-0 Chiefs, who are the league’s biggest early season surprise under new coach Andy Reid.

Kansas City is tied with Denver for the best record in the NFL. The Chiefs hold a +87 point differential, which ranks second in the league, and tops the AFC with a +12 in takeaways. Kansas City also recorded 10 sacks during a recent 24-7 home victory against Oakland.

“Obviously, I know all about that. I’ve been in there many times back in the day. Very big challenge for us offensively against their defense. They’ve been pretty special. As a football team, they’ve really protected the ball. That’s why they’re sitting there 6-0 right now.”